Tshering Garmo and Tshering Dolma, sisters from the village of Karsha in Zangskar, share personal narratives about their family and life in Zangskar. Assisted by Sonam Phalkay, we delve into memories of his grandmother and her younger sister. A candid pre-interview exchange unfolds between the Tshering sisters and Chhuskit Angmo (Sonam's mother) while the recording equipment was being set up, which enriches the narrative. Recorded in Youlang village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

The Epic of Gesar (also spelled Kesar) is one of the world's longest epics and is widely sung and narrated across the Tibetan Plateau and in parts of Central Asia. This grand narrative chronicles the life and adventures of the heroic figure, Gesar of Ling. The saga unfolds through numerous episodes, with one of its earliest segments detailing the miraculous birth of Gesar. Before this event, the kingdom of Ling found itself in dire need of a leader. In the inaugural episode, Tashi Zangmo from Sani village—one of the last remaining bards in Zangskar—narrates how Agu Gani, Gesar’s uncle and an elder in the kingdom, persuades the warrior God, Tshangspa Karpo, to bestow the kingdom of Ling with a king. This divine intervention culminates in the miraculous birth of Gesar. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Tadeusz Slupski of Poland, a visitor to Zangskar since November 1977, discusses the cultural shifts over the decades with a couple from Sani village. Slupski narrates the socio-cultural transformations he witnessed since his initial visit and invites the couple to expand on these changes from their firsthand experiences. They discuss the nuances of the architectural evolution of Zangskari houses, delving into traditional heating and lighting methods, recalling cherished olden poems, songs, and dances—emphasizing the "chham" (Chham) dance and costumes, and reminisce about traditional weddings marked by horseback marriage processions. Dr. Jamphel Sheyan, Assistant Professor of English at GMDC, skillfully interprets the conversation, bridging Zangskari and English. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

Stanzin Choszin and her parents discuss the transformation Zangskar has witnessed in recent decades with Tshering Namgyal. Stanzin Choszin is a student at the Government Model Degree College (GMDC), Zangskar. Tshering Namgyal is a GMDC BA student. They discuss shifts in language, changing tastes in food and liquor, evolving work cultures, and matrimonial traditions. this discussion captures the essence of a rapidly transforming Zangskari society. Recorded at Choszin's residence in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

In this insightful discussion, Gyafo (King) Phuntsok Dawa, the King of Padum, answers the questions raised on Zangskar and its history by Dr. Tadeusz Slupski, a regular visitor to Zangskar since 1977. Gyafo Dawa delves into the rich heritage of his lineage and the Zangskari royal family. He recounts the pivotal moment in June 1948 when Zangskar faced invasion from Pakistani forces, prompting his father and the entire family, accompanied by Kushok Bakula Rimpoche, to seek refuge in Himachal Pradesh. Dr. Slupski further inquires about the demographics of Zangskar, leading the discussion towards the significant societal and cultural changes Zangskar has experienced over the past four and a half decades, since he first visited. Recorded in Old Padum village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

In this recording, Kunzang Chhuskit, an elder from Sani village, discusses the changes in Zangskar's agricultural practices. Prompted by questions from Dr. Jamphel Sheyan and students of GMDC, Zangskar, Chhuskit contrasts the recent adoption of machine harvesting and flour grinding with the traditional practices of hand-harvesting and water-mill grinding. Additionally, she recounts a tale about a prince named Kargyen Chocho. Concluding her discourse, she touches upon transformations in the dowry system and the broader changes Zangskar has undergone in its journey towards development. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

This is a discussion with Norbu Tashi, an elder from the Sani village, about the shifts in language, culture, and lifestyle that Zangskar has witnessed over the recent years. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.

This is a discussion with Tshering Tashi, a Lama (monk) at the Bardan Monastery, who hails from the Sani village. Lama Tashi delves into the shifts that have taken place in Zangskar in terms of language, culture, lifestyle, and the environment over recent years. He explains how these alterations have affected the local Zangskari populace. In addition, Lama Tashi addresses questions from the students of GMDC, Zangskar, about the observed transformations within Zangskar's monasteries. Recorded in Sani village, Ladakh Union Territory, India.